Financial Preparedness

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In the event of job loss, illness, or other financial emergencies, having savings for 3-6 months is critically important. 

Getting your finances in order will provide the resources needed to:

• Cover Immediate Needs: In the aftermath of a disaster, essential expenses like food, shelter, and medical care can be significant. A financial safety net ensures you can cover these costs without going into debt.
• Recovery: Financial resources can help you replace damaged property, rebuild your home or business, and cover unexpected expenses related to the recovery process.
• Mitigate Stress: Financial worries can compound the stress of a disaster. Having a financial cushion can help alleviate stress and allow you to focus on recovery efforts.
• Access Essential Services: Many disaster recovery services require upfront costs or have eligibility requirements that depend on financial status. A financial safety net can help you access these vital services.
• Prepare for Future Disasters: Financial preparedness allows you to invest in preventative measures, such as upgrading your home's structure or  purchasing insurance, to reduce the impact of future disasters.

Make physical and digital (encrypted) copies of the following documents and store them in a secure, easily accessible place in the event of evacuation (fireproof/waterproof sleeve, cloud storage, USB drive in a go-bag):

• Personal IDs: Driver’s license, passport, birth certificates, Social Security cards.
• Insurance Policies: Home, renters, auto, health, life.
• Financial Records:
  • Bank and credit card account info.
  • Loan documents (mortgage, car, student).
  • Investment records (401(k), IRAs, brokerage accounts).
• Property Records: Deeds, titles, and leases.
• Medical Records: Health insurance, prescriptions, advance directives.
• Legal Docs: Wills, powers of attorney, custody documents, marriage/divorce papers.

 Keep a running list (physical and secure digital copy):

• Bank Accounts: Include account numbers and institution contact info.
• Credit Cards: Include customer service numbers and card numbers (partial is okay for security).
• Loans: Track balances and due dates.
• Recurring Subscriptions: Streaming, cloud services, utilities—know what’s auto-billed and from where.
• Retirement & Investment Accounts: Include how to access and who to contact.

• Maintain a Bill Calendar: Track payment due dates for rent/mortgage, utilities, loans, and credit cards.
• Enable Alerts: For due dates or unusual activity.
• Auto-Pay Setup: Only for essential, stable accounts; make sure funding source is reliable.
• Back-Up Payment Method: Have a secondary card/account in case of loss or fraud.
• Temporary Hardship Plans: Know which creditors offer deferment or disaster relief options.

Building an emergency fund takes time and discipline. By following these steps and staying committed, you can create a financial safety net that will provide peace of mind during unexpected challenges. 

Calculate Your Monthly Expenses:

• List  All Expenses: Make a comprehensive list of your monthly expenses. Budget apps help do this for you, especially if you spend on a mix of bank cards/credit cards and cash. Apps will also identify subscriptions you may have forgotten about.

Multiply by the Number of Months:

• Calculate Your Emergency Fund Goal: Multiply your monthly budget by the number  of months you choose to determine the amount you need to save for your emergency fund.

Prioritize and Save:

• Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify areas where you can reduce spending, such as dining out, entertainment, or subscriptions.
• Increase Income: If possible, explore ways to increase your income, such as taking on a side job or freelancing.
• Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month.

Tips for Success:

• Be Realistic: Set a realistic savings goal based on your income and expenses.
• Stay Consistent: Make saving a priority and contribute to your emergency fund regularly.
• Review and Adjust: Periodically review your budget and adjust your savings goal as needed.

 Keep a portion of your emergency fund in physical cash, readily accessible in case of power outages or other disruptions to online banking services.   

Diversifying your emergency fund across multiple currencies can provide a layer of protection against economic fluctuations and potential disasters.   

While traditional currencies provide a solid foundation for your emergency fund, diversifying with gold, silver, and cryptocurrencies can offer additional benefits and risk mitigation. However, it's essential to carefully consider the risks and rewards associated with these alternative assets and allocate your funds accordingly.